Keeping your eyes on the Spirit
Being a Christian Teen can be hard. Everywhere you look society is telling us that giving in to tempations and immorality is “cool”, and if you don’t indulge yourself in them then you’re nothing better than a “wimp”. I have a lot to say about things such as drugs, violence, and impure physical actions, but right now I’d like to focus more on “thought” than “action”.
In the book of Matthew Jesus tells us that to commit murder we do not need to literally “kill” someone, but only have to think it in our hearts. I believe this is a very important lesson, and that the same rule applies to any other sin, whether it be anger at a sibling or impure thoughts about another person.
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their mind set on what the Spirit desires.
– Romans 8:5
So, how do we control wishing that our siblings get sent to a deserted island next time they make us angry? It’s hard, but we can conquer those evil thoughts with God’s help. Just ask him, and remember these two verses from Philippians whenever you feel like you’re losing the battle:
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
– Philippians 4:8
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
– Philippians 4:13
